{"id":51623,"date":"2020-10-23T13:40:17","date_gmt":"2020-10-23T13:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=51623"},"modified":"2021-12-29T07:52:09","modified_gmt":"2021-12-29T07:52:09","slug":"the-rivers-of-old-ceylon-by-des-kelly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/the-rivers-of-old-ceylon-by-des-kelly\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;THE RIVERS OF OLD CEYLON&#8221;  &#8211; By Des Kelly"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">&#8220;THE RIVERS OF OLD CEYLON&#8221;\u00a0\u00a0&#8211; By Des Kelly<\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">We speak and write so much about this lovely Island that so many of us still call home, it seems reasonable enough to add to the list of attractions,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">&#8220;The Rivers Of Old Ceylon&#8221;, mentioned above. I always refer to my Motherland<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">as Ceylon, simply because I think that this is the prettiest name, from many others she was called, over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The tourist attractions that Sri Lanka has,(when people are able to move around again), are far too numerous to mention, but this article that came to me via Victor Melder, who needs absolutely no introduction to us Ceylonese or Sri Lankan, brought back so many vivid memories, I just had to share it with our eLanka members.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">We are not talking about the Rivers of Babylon here, we are talking about our own, The rivers of old Ceylon.\u00a0 Plesse read, and be amazed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-29910 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Desmond-Kelly-9.jpg\" alt=\"Desmond Kelly\" width=\"125\" height=\"178\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Desmond Kelly.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">(Editor-in-Chief) eLanka.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #008080;\">Exploring the rivers and rainforests of Sri Lanka<\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Planning a long haul escape for when things (finally) open up again? Stephanie Takyi gets lost in the lush landscapes of this unique South Asian island\u00a0\u00a0<em>by\u00a0Stephanie Takyi<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51624 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #800000;\">Source:<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\" href=\"\/\/www.standard.co.uk\/insider\/living\/sri-lanka-hotel-river-cruise-flow-review-a4556586.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Standard<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Sri Lanka has long been a destination for travellers seeking escapism. This small beautiful island, situated south of India, is larger than life with idyllic beaches, sprawling tea plantations and exquisite properties that have the luxury credentials to rival any major city in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">There are plenty of towns hidden away from the well-trodden tourist paths of Sri Lanka. One is Piliyandala, where you\u2019ll find Bolgoda Lake &#8211; which at a staggering 342 square kilometres is the country\u2019s only natural and largest fresh water lake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Just 45 minutes away from the capital of Colombo, it&#8217;s a secluded gem for those looking for a serene lakeside break.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Sri Lanka has long been a destination for travellers seeking escapism. This small beautiful island, situated south of India, is larger than life with idyllic beaches, sprawling tea plantations and exquisite properties that have the luxury credentials to rival any major city in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">There are plenty of towns hidden away from the well-trodden tourist paths of Sri Lanka. One is Piliyandala, where you\u2019ll find Bolgoda Lake &#8211; which at a staggering 342 square kilometres is the country\u2019s only natural and largest fresh water lake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Just 45 minutes away from the capital of Colombo, it&#8217;s a secluded gem for those looking for a serene lakeside break.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51625 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-1-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\">For those who want to stay as close to the water as possible, local and international visitors can stay on board Flow by The Amber collection \u2013 a luxury river cruise aboard two floating houseboats docked on a secluded inlet on Bolgoda Lake.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\">Flow 1 and Flow 2, which were originally two steamers, channel old school elegance and luxury, with cosy four-poster colonial beds, antique furnishings and in-room standing bath tubs.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\">This is a boutique experience, with just five bedrooms in addition to a living area and dining space, all only accessible via Flow\u2019s private marina. The crew on the vessels include an ex-Navy Captain, engineer, chefs, steward and deckhand.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\">Flow, as I discovered, is a haven for naturalists and also promotes well-thought out sustainability. The Flow \u2018steamers\u2019 are \ufb01tted with bio-tanks, which dispose of fuel waste in an earth-friendly way causing no harm to the very lake and ecosystem they sit in.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\">Every day on Flow immerses you in the lake safari experience. On my first day, at the crack of dawn, the captain set sail for Flow\u2019s nature-watching cruise with naturalist Ajantha, who shared his knowledge on the rich and diverse flora and fauna of Bolgoda Lake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51626 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-2-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Flow, Sri Lanka<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">As we cruise through unspoiled mangroves, we spot eagles, parrots and kingfishers. The Sri Lankan Monkeys also make an appearance leaping from palm tree to palm tree, calling to each other. In distant shores you can also spot the holiday homes of some of Sri Lanka\u2019s wealthy elite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Breakfast is served on the upper deck\u2019s floating lawn and is a banquet of traditional Sri Lankan dishes: string hoppers, dhal curry, coconut sambol, fish curry, coconut roti and spiced chickpeas \u2013 all served up on a banana leaf.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">The relaxing mornings are followed by fun-packed afternoons curated by The Marina &#8211; an exclusive water sports private members club, which arranges outdoor activities and excursions for Flow\u2019s guests on a complimentary basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51627 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-3.jpg\" alt=\"Exploring the rivers and rainforests of Sri Lanka\" width=\"600\" height=\"372\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">A Sri Lankan\u00a0 spread\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">I opted to hop onto the back of a jet ski to enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled escapade speeding downstream the Bolgoda river to the south to the mouth of the Indian ocean at Panadura.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">On the right day you may even spot the salt-water crocodiles, who are known to circulate the area mostly unnoticed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">A more relaxing excursion is fishing on an \u2018Oruwa\u2019 \u2013 a traditional Sri Lankan fishing boat made entirely from wood, held in place with bamboo poles. They are hard to miss as the sight of local fishermen steering the rudders and casting their nets are very much a part of everyday life on the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Even for beginners like me, Bolgoda Lake is a fishing paradise with over 40 species of fish in this lake &#8211; if you\u2019re lucky, your catch of the day will be on the menu for dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51628 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Flow, Sri Lanka<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">On-board, guests are also encouraged to take part in cookery classes with Flow chefs who can lift the lid on many of Sri Lanka\u2019s delicacies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">While I pride myself on being able to handle spicy foods, my taste buds were put to the test when I tried my hand at a traditional dish of beef curry and devil\u2019s potato using a fiery concoction of spices and seasonings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Flow is located near enough to Colombo for guests to also dip into the hustle and bustle of city life. There is an abundance of attractions to explore, many of which are easy to get to using Sri Lanka\u2019s most popular mode of transport &#8211; a Tuk Tuk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">A personal highlight of visiting Colombo was learning about Sri Lanka\u2019s Buddhist culture. This included a visit to Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most well-known and elaborate Buddhist temples in the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51629 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-5-533x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Barefoot visitors can marvel at the gigantic Buddha statues, all lined in formation to tell a story. The high ceilings also tell tales, with wall paintings that depict Buddha\u2019s triumphs. In the background devotees can be heard chanting Buddhist prayers. Gangaramaya also boasts a museum that houses a robust collection of Buddhist artefacts.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">For eating and drinking in Colombo, you\u2019re never too far from a bounty of places to dine. Sri Lanka is a tropical island known for its great seafood and more uniquely its celebrated speciality of the lagoon mud crab.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">I headed to grounds of the old 400-year-old Dutch Hospital in Colombo, where you\u2019ll find The Ministry of Crab restaurant. This well-regarded eatery was set up by chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa together with Sri Lankan cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara.<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51630 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">The menu includes a variety of crab dishes freshly prepared on the day \u2013 thanks to the restaurant\u2019s no freezer policy. Do visit on an empty stomach as the crabs\u2019 weigh from 500g \u20181\/2 Kilo\u2019 up to a 2KG \u2018Crabzilla\u2019 and are plated up in a variety of ways from fiery Pepper Crab to Garlic Chilli Crab and the succulent Baked Crab. Other seafood choices are available including jumbo prawns, cuttlefish, clams and oysters.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Post-lunch drinks can be toasted nearby at Rooftop bar Botanik, where you can try your hand at a cocktail making class using Aarak &#8211; a traditional Sri Lankan spirit, which be warned is 47% ABV.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">After a short adventure in Colombo it\u2019s a nice feeling to retreat back to Flow, where you can watch the spellbinding pinkish-purplish sunset during a sunset dinner cruise. The moonlight of nightfall on the marina is just as enchanting with the added bonus of enjoying an alfresco film screening and, of, course more food.<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Palmstone Retreat<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Sri Lanka&#8217;s relatively small size makes it easy to town hop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">After leaving Flow I took a three-hour car journey to Kitulgala &#8211; which is also known as the adventure capital of Sri Lanka. Tucked away in a 10-acre rainforest jungle near the town is the Palmstone Retreat, a five-star boutique hotel which lives up to its &#8216;retreat&#8217; name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Compromising three chalets and two suites hidden amidst the rainforest, Palmstone blends Mother Nature with the unique artistic craftmanship of Sri Lankan architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">I stayed in the super deluxe Aarliya suite, which boasts a king-size bed, a 40\u201d Flat screen TV with Satellite TV, an en-suite bathroom with shower, a sauna and a private outdoor heated plunge pool.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-51631 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Exploring-the-rivers-and-rainforests-of-Sri-Lanka-8-533x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Stephanie enjoying the suite\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Outside the suite is a natural landscape to soothe mind, body and spirit. There was no better start to my day then with breakfast looking out at a stream steadily flowing past from a nearby waterfall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">While you can lounge at Palmstone all day long, there are adventures to be had nearby too, from a mountain cycling tour to white water rafting on the infamous rapids of the Kelani Ganga.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">I enjoyed a hike up to Belilena Cave, one of Sri Lanka\u2019s hidden wonders. Waiting to be found in the thick of Kitgula\u2019s luscious rainforest jungle, the caves are one of the most important historic and cultural heritage sites of Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Stephanie visits Belilena Cave\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Evidence of human occupants from 16,000 years ago has been found in the caves. On the walls you&#8217;ll find scrawlings from former inhabitants, including monks who have used the cave as a retreat for meditation. It&#8217;s easy to see why they picked this spot, beautifully secluded and surrounded by nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Nearby is a secret cascading waterfall, which can only be reached through a short but arduous hike. Every step is worth it as the endless vistas of green hills swoop all the way down to the gushing waters of the Kelani River. I long to go back there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><em>For prices and availability at Palmstone Retreat and Flow by the Amber Collection head to\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.palmstoneretreat.com\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.palmstoneretreat.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1603544883663000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE46dMPtKCTvu3kmDA6K1xfQDLf9w\">palmstoneretreat.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/theambercollection.com\/flow\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/theambercollection.com\/flow\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1603544883663000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6jzuhT12KJ3cj01M7SL49qaDmww\">theambercollection.com\/flow<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><em>Both Palmstone and Flow by Amber Collection have adopted the Safe&amp; Sound initiatie, an all-round Covid-19 safety and hygiene program.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;THE RIVERS OF OLD CEYLON&#8221;\u00a0\u00a0&#8211; By Des Kelly We speak and write so much about this lovely Island that so many of us still call home, it seems reasonable enough to add to the list of attractions,\u00a0 &#8220;The Rivers Of Old Ceylon&#8221;, mentioned above. I always refer to my Motherland as Ceylon, simply because I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":51624,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,1104],"tags":[30239,30240,2394,5460],"class_list":{"0":"post-51623","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-aside","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-articles","8":"category-desmond-kelly","9":"tag-belilena-cave","10":"tag-gangaramaya-temple","11":"tag-kumar-sangakkara","12":"tag-mahela-jayawardena","13":"post_format-post-format-aside"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.7.1 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>&quot;THE RIVERS OF OLD CEYLON&quot; - By Des Kelly<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We speak and write so much about this lovely Island that so many of us still call home, it seems reasonable enough to add to the list of attractions,\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"&quot;THE RIVERS OF OLD CEYLON&quot; 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